Hamburg’s Rathaus

On a visit to Hamburg, Germany you certainly can’t miss the ornate Rathaus (Town Hall), the Neo-Renaissance palace constructed 1886-1897.

Its tower stands 112 meters high and the building dominates the entire square, a collection of architectural excess, statues, and spires. Among the statues are twenty German Emperors.

Today it serves as the seat of the Hamburg City Council and the Senate.

Its central location means you’ll be passing by here night and day, and it will become  a familiar landmark.

The large square before it is the Rathausmarkt and is used for big events, including the popular Weihnachtsmarkt – Christmas market.

Nearby is the wonderful Alster Arcades, along the Alster River. It’s a touch of Venice built in the mid-nineteenth century after much of the area had been destroyed by the Great Fire of 1842.

Enjoy your wander around this picturesque corner of Hamburg’s Old Town.

For more tips on what to do in Hamburg, see my earlier posts on Climbing the Michaelis church bell tower, Relaxing in the Planten un Blomen Park, Climbing aboard the Rickmer Rickmers to see what life on a late 19th century merchant ship was like, taking a boat trip around the canals,  and Exploring HafenCity and the Dungeon.